Finding Love in War *COMPLETE*

Finding Love in War

Chapter 1- Hadrian’s Back and Dedham Manor

Severus sat in the living room of the home of his prized student, Hermione Granger. He, Albus, and Minerva had arrived two hours ago when a frantic Hermione flooed. The sight Severs saw brought back memories that he thought he had buried. Mr. Granger lay dead in a pool of his own blood, Mrs. Granger was barely alive and Hermione was kneeling on the floor, her mother’s head in her lap and her clothes stained with the blood of her parents. Albus sent for Medi-witches and wizards at once.

“Who did this?” Hermione questioned.

“Hadrian,” Severus answered.

“Who is he?” Hermione asked.

“My father Miss Granger,” Severus said.

Hermione fell silent and looked down at her hands. Minerva held her while Albus placed his hand on Severus’ shoulder. A few minutes later, a medi-wizard came downstairs. Hermione instantly got to her feet.

“How is she?” Hermione demanded.

“I’m sorry Miss Granger. She was losing blood too quickly,” the wizard explained.

“What now?” Hermione questioned as she closed her eyes to keep the tears at bay.

“For now, you need to get a shower and change clothes. Minerva will pack your belongings, then we will take you somewhere safe,” Albus answered.

Severus watched Minerva lead the young woman upstairs. “Albus, let her come stay with me,”

“Are you sure my boy?” Albus questioned.

“Yes. It’s the safest place for her right now,” Severus said without revealing any emotion.

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“Where will I be going?” Hermione asked as she pulled on clean clothes.

“I don’t know yet. I’m sure you’ll find out once we get back downstairs. Hermione, I’m sorry for you loss. Is there anything I can do for you?” Minerva replied.

“Thank you Professor. I know I seem unfeeling, but right now I need to focus on the task at hand. I can fall apart once I get where I’m going. As for doing anything, not at the moment, but thanks,” Hermione said.

Minerva nodded in understanding. The two witches finished packing and returned to the living room to join Albus and Severus. When Hermione re-entered the living room, she found it completely spotless.

“Miss Granger, you will go with Severus. Where he’s taking you will be the safest place for you right now,” Albus explained.

“Yes sir. What about my parents?” Hermione asked.

“I will take care of that for you and then contact you about the funeral arrangements,” Albus replied.

Hermione nodded. She shrunk her things, placed them in her pocket, and looked up at Severus. “We will be apparating. Take my hand Miss Granger,” he said gently.

Slowly, she slid her small hand into his large one. Severus nodded to Albus and Minerva, then he and Hermione disappeared in a crack of thunder. Sadly, Minerva sighed.

“What’s wrong my dear?” Albus questioned.

“I’m just worried about the both of them. With Hadrian back, how safe can they be?” she answered.

“They will be fine. Together, they are safer than any spell or charm,” he smiled.

“What do you mean?” she enquired.

“You’ll see my dear. You’ll see,” he replied mysteriously.

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Hermione stared in shock at the beautiful home in front of her. It was made of pale grey stone and a wooden roof. It had at least three floors and spread lengthwise for a good hundred and fifty yards in either direction. The lane leading up to the manor house had large oak trees on either side. A marble fountain stood twenty feet from the oak front door.

“Well?” Severus asked.

“Professor, it’s beautiful,” Hermione answered.

“It’s even more beautiful during the daylight. Come, let’s get you settled and get you something to eat,” he said gently.

Hermione followed him inside. The interior was just as beautiful as the exterior. The home was warm and welcoming. They walked into the main hall, a large staircase with stairs coming down either side of the second story landing. Severus let out a quick whistle. A house elf appeared with a ‘POP’.

“Welcome home Master Severus,” the elf smiled as he bowed.

“Thank you Eligh. This is Miss Granger, she will be staying here for a time. Will you please take her things to the Crystal Chamber,” Severus instructed.

“Of course Master Severus, and welcome Miss Granger,” Eligh beamed.

“Please call me Hermione,” Hermione smiled softly as she removed her things and enlarged them.

Severus then led Hermione toward the kitchens while Eligh levitated Hermione’s belongings upstairs. Once in the kitchens, the staff of house elves set about preparing a meal for Hermione and Severus.

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“Is it done?” Voldemort questioned from his onyx throne.

“They’re both dead my Lord. The husband died within moments and the wife is now dead,” Hadrian answered with a sinister smile.

“Excellent. Now, we wait. I have no doubt the mudblood has called for Albus. He will then send her into hiding. Hadrian, return to your hiding place. When the time is right, I will send for you,” Voldemort instructed.

Hadrian bowed and left. Voldemort rose from his throne and entered his private study. He poured himself a glass of red wine and sat behind his desk. “Soon, I will have the Wizarding world at my mercy. Your days are numbered Harry Potter,” he said evilly.

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“How was your meal?” Severus asked as he led Hermione to her room.

“It was delicious, thank you. You have some very talented house elves,” Hermione answered.

“Yes they are. I can’t decide if they’re better than the elves at Hogwarts or not,” he chuckled.

Hermione laughed as well. As they walked down the long corridor, she let her thoughts roam. ‘I know I shouldn’t be thinking about this now, but I can’t help it. What am I feeling toward Professor Snape? I hope while I’m staying here, he and I can get to know each other and maybe I can figure it out,’

“Here’s your room,” he said as they stopped outside a set of double doors.

Hermione gasped when she saw the room. It was beautiful. Against the far left wall was a king size bed on a raised platform. Sheer lilac curtains surrounded the four poster bed. Against the far right wall was a fireplace large enough for a man to stand in.

On either side of the fireplace was two doors. One she suspected was a closet, the other probably led to the room next door. On the wall across from the door was a set of french doors that opened onto a balcony. To the left of the bed was a door that opened into a luxurious bathroom.

There was a bookcase, desk, armoire, and two nightstands that had little crystal figurines that would catch the light. On the ceiling was a lovely crystal chandelier. Hermione now knew why the room was called the Crystal Chamber.

“This is…I’ve never seen a room this gorgeous or luxurious,” she gasped as she moved toward the french doors.

“This was my mother’s pet project. When she was fifteen, the manor was renovated. She designed and decorated this room herself,” he said proudly.

“She was talented,” she smiled.

“Well, I’ll leave you now. My room is through the door to the right of the fireplace. If you need anything, you can come to me or pull that cord next to the bed and one of the house elves will come,” he explained.

Hermione nodded. Severus turned and made to leave. He was about to enter the hall when he felt her hand on his arm. He looked down at her.

“Thank you. For letting me stay here,” she said.

“You’re quite welcome Miss Granger,” he smiled softly.

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Several hours later, Severus sat in bed reading when he heard it. Soft crying from Hermione’s room. He marked his place, sat his book on the nightstand, and made his way to Hermione’s room. What he saw, pulled at his heart.

“Miss Granger, you all right?” he asked.

“No,” she cried.

Severus walked over to the bed. In the firelight, he saw the tears flowing down her cheeks. He pushed aside the bed curtains, sat beside her, and pulled her into his arms. Hermione clung to him.

“I’m sorry…I…woke you,” she sobbed.

“You didn’t. I was reading when I heard you crying,” he replied.

“I know…you…think I’m…weak for crying,” she said.

“Sshh. You’re not weak. It’s going to be all right,” he whispered as he held her.

Hermione buried her face in his chest and continued to cry. Gently, Severus rocked her in his arms. An hour later he found her sound asleep. Rather than wake her, he carefully moved so that he was laying down, with her head resting on his chest.

‘Just rest dear Hermione. You’re not alone. I’m here for you,’ he thought as he held her tenderly in his arms.

T.B.C